The religious categories created by colonialism have been abandoned even by the British scholars. But the Modi regime, guided and controlled by the RSS, is still sticking to them with unprecedented fervor.

What makes the axis between the government and the RSS so problematic is not just its extra-constitutionality but the sheer incompatibility of the sangh and its ideology with a democratic, inclusive polity and society.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks more like India’s Ronald Reagan because of his strategy of “peace through strength” when it comes to Pakistan, says author Daniel Markey and warns New Delhi’s diplomatic disengagement with Islamabad could be dangerous and even counterproductive. Markey’s assessment may give credence to some of the fears in Pakistan which are reflected by Ikram Sehgal in his article down below.

The penchant and proclivity for making India Hindu is not a new phenomenon in Indian political life; but until the 2014 election, it did not have the power or the heft to pose a serious challenge to the idea of India

Those searching for signs of a fundamental shift in the RSS/Bharatiya Janata Party’s Muslim policy will be disappointed. But what is not in doubt is that there is an emerging view propagated by younger and more cosmopolitan leaders/activists who favor engaging Indian Muslims in a dialogue. To them this seems a good time to tap into Muslim disillusionment with the Congress and other secular parties.

US Ambassador Nancy Powell recently resigned from her job as envoy to New Delhi. There is speculation and denial that her departure, scheduled for next month, is linked to the rise of Narendra Modi as the country’s prospective prime minister. Mr Modi, who inspires hysterical adulation and serious apprehension among opposite sets of Indians, has so far been denied …